Which 4x4?
 

Need some opinions.

My mate is looking at buying a cheapish 4x4. Out of the ones he likes are as follows (based on reliability, looks and price):

Suzuki Grand Vitara (2007) Diesel or Petrol.
Honda CRV (2006). Diesel or Petrol.
Toyota Rav 4 ( 2006). Again Diesel or Petrol.

His requirements are that they are reasonable to drive, reliable, carry the sprogs around and 'do exactly what they do on the tin'. Not fussed if it's Diesel or Petrol and wants a manual. He has test driven all three, but can't make his mind up.

Any opinions/suggestions?

Cheers

Jay

It's a no-brainer..... Rav4

Rav 4 brill !

Any of them, they are all excellent really.

Toyota landcruiser..

Would go for the Rav4, but all get good reports.

I've just got a new Freelander and it's great :luxhello: , effortless / comfortable motorway driving and gives you the feeling that it will go anywhere. The high driving position takes some getting used to, makes my scoob feel like it's v low!

Thanks. Personally I'm am drawn to the Suzuki, think it looks good and is rare. However not sure about Suzuki....are they really reliable, good to drive. Bloody good value for money though.

Second would be Toyota and then Honda. Freelander is expensive (compared to these lot)???

Rav4 XT-R 2.2d Its a great car,:luvlove: 42 mpg. If it went today I would order another tomorrow without looking at what else is available.:thumb: Looks much better with the Style Pack ( side steps and front protector ) don't call it a bull bar or insurance gose up :cuckoo:

Is the Rav 4 any good to drive?

always Toyota
a squillion users in Africa cant all be wrong

Wouldn't touch a Freelander...we destroyed one in a collision with a vectra (who said 4x4s were "strong" :wonder:). Just to make it worse it flipped over too. Wouldn't have been so bad if it didn't have kids in back. :(

Personally; CRV, but don't touch the auto.

You didn't consider the Nissan X trail? Supposed to have good reports.

I would head for the Honda, but the Suzuki is good, I rent one when I go to St Lucia - so the A/C is effective!

Another vote for the X Trail.

Picked up an 04 T Spec 2.5 petrol last year for 10 k.All the toys,built in sat nav,leather etc.

Fantastic car.Can't get the wife out of it.The perfect family car as far as I am concerned

Wipe clean car for messy kids too

Yes the Rav is great to drive, my only complaint is that it is high geared, so I seem to drive 65mph+ even if I'm not in a rush, just to be able to get into sixth gear (2000rpm = 65mph) the engine has no turbo lag and will pull from under 1500rpm. Ride comfort and quality is great, and given some stick and it's more than OK. One year and 6000 miles on and as I said I would not change it. I changed from a Hawkeye STi

I had a brand new Rav4 back in 03. Sold it after 8 months of disputes with the dealer. Worst car experience ever. Do not buy black. Complete disaster zone and needed a complete respray after 6 months !!!!!

By all accounts, an Evo or an Imprezza can meet those requirements! :thumb:

On side note, don't forget, road tax are being hiked up massively to target "gas guzzling" 4x4. So I'd go for any those suggested as long as its a diesel.

Landcruiser Colorado maybe.

He's not bothered about tax and to be fair he's not buying something expensive as a Cayenne or X5. He just wants something high up with space and practicality.

Right has anyone driven the Suzuki?

Looked at all of these in depth recently and would plumb for new Shape RAV 4 or New Shape CRV.

RAV 4 is more drivers car CRV a better package.

Both exceed 40mpg in mix of driving and have good diesel engines.

I drive a RAV 4 diesel regularly and its a great, reliable car.

Xtrail is good also but not keen on styling and interior.

The Mrs bought a Honda CRV (new shape) 2.2 diesel and it pretty darn good. Nothing has gone wrong with it and its pretty entertaining to drive plus lots of goodies at the ES spec level. She looked at the RAV4 but didn't suit our requirements for space in the back.

Wolfie.

Throwing another car into the mix....has anyone driven he VW Tiguan? Seems to be just within budget and solid build too.

Friend went to look at one .Thought it was in budget too.

When he had added various must have extras it was v expensive.

What about second hand Touraeg(spl?) or that new Mitsi Outlander looks rather smart?